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Call for Papers Announced for 25th International Water Mist Conference

The International Water Mist Association (IWMA) has published the call for papers for the 25th International Water Mist Conference IWMC2026, which will take place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 7 and 8 October 2026. The milestone event is organised by IWMA and will bring together researchers, manufacturers, engineers, regulators and end users from across the global fire protection community. IWMA President Max Lakkonen of IFAB will formally open the conference. Abstract submissions are now invited, with a deadline of 15 April 2026. IWMA expects a strong technical programme reflecting the continued development of water mist systems and their application across a wide range of fire safety challenges. Alongside the conference, an exhibition will run throughout the two-day event. According to IWMA, sponsors can already begin reserving tabletop exhibition spaces. Bettina McDowell, Chief Executive Officer of IWMA, said: “Sponsors can now start booking their tabletops for the exhibition which will run alongside the conference. All necessary forms can be found on the IWMA webpage. The sale of tickets will start on 15th April 2026. Delegates can profit from special prices until 15th August when the early bird period will end.” In addition to the technical programme, IWMA has confirmed the timeline for submissions for the Ragnar Wighus Award. The deadline to apply is 31 March 2026. The award recognises academic excellence in water mist research and, in 2026, will be presented to the author of the best master’s thesis focused on water mist technology. Submissions will be evaluated by the IWMA Scientific Council, chaired by Kemal Arsava of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology. The winner of the Ragnar Wighus Award will be invited to present their thesis during the conference, providing delegates with insight into emerging research and future developments in water mist fire protection. IWMA says the 25th edition of the International Water Mist Conference will continue its long-standing role as a leading forum for technical exchange, regulatory discussion and networking within the specialist fire suppression sector. Further details, including submission guidelines and exhibition booking information, are available via the IWMA website. https://iwma.net/home

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Ranger Fire and Security acquisition of Universal Fire and Security-Dec-FireBuyer.com

Ranger Fire and Security Expands into South West with Universal Fire and Security Acquisition

Ranger Fire and Security has announced its acquisition of Plymouth-based Universal Fire and Security Ltd, marking its strategic expansion into the South West of England and further strengthening its growing UK and Ireland footprint. The acquisition, confirmed on 1 December 2025, brings Ranger into Devon and Cornwall for the first time. Founded in 2001 by Mark Gibson, Universal Fire and Security has developed from a security focused business into a comprehensive fire and security services provider with a strong reputation for technical expertise and customer service across the region. Universal offers a full range of fire and security solutions, including intruder alarms, CCTV, fire detection and alarm systems, automatic opening vent systems, access control, emergency lighting, call systems, fire extinguishers, monitoring services and automatic gates and barriers. The business is predominantly focused on maintenance and maintenance-related services, which account for more than 90 percent of its activity, supported by new installations for a long standing and loyal customer base. Under the deal, Universal will continue to operate under its existing name and leadership team, working closely with other Ranger businesses to provide a one stop fire and security solution across the South West and beyond. The company’s customer focused approach and emphasis on recurring maintenance services closely align with Ranger’s strategy of building a national network of trusted, service led specialists. By joining the Ranger Group, Universal will gain access to enhanced operational and technological support, as well as increased opportunities for collaboration and cross selling across the wider network. Ranger says the acquisition represents another important step in its ambition to combine strong regional expertise with a unified national offering. Mark Bridges, Chief Executive Officer of Ranger Fire and Security, said: “We are honoured to be chosen by Mark and team in a highly competitive process to be his partner moving forward and opening the next chapter as part of the Ranger Group. “Mark and Chris were a huge focus for Ranger in our due diligence and they have demonstrated a strong ambition to grow organically and through acquisition. They are a great cultural fit to the team and we are extremely delighted to have them on board as the lead for our work in Devon and Cornwall.” Mark Gibson, Founder and Managing Director of Universal Fire and Security, said: “At Universal we pride ourselves on our repeat business and loyal customer base which is a testament to the high-quality fire and security services we deliver across the South West. “A major pull for joining the Ranger Group is being able to benefit from the Group’s operational expertise, helping us ensure we are providing the most high-quality service possible, while also enabling us to expand our reach across not only the South West region, but beyond into other parts of the country.” Universal becomes Ranger’s thirteenth acquisition since its launch in early 2024 and its sixth in 2025, following recent additions including B-Safe Group and Aqua Fire Prevention in Ireland and IRN Security in Scotland. Backed by Hyperion Equity Partners, Ranger continues to pursue its goal of becoming a leading one stop provider of fire and security services across the UK and Ireland.  

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Fire Safety Conference-Intersec-Firebuyer.com

Intersec 2026 Reinforces UAE Leadership in Global Fire Protection and Emergency Response

Intersec 2026 is set to underline the UAE’s growing leadership role in global fire protection and emergency response when the event returns to Dubai from 12 to 14 January 2026. Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council, the Fire and Rescue sector will once again form a core pillar of Intersec. The 2026 edition will be the largest to date, reflecting rising international demand for advanced fire safety and emergency response solutions. As fire safety challenges evolve worldwide, the UAE continues to invest heavily in innovation, resilience and international collaboration. Both public and private sector initiatives are increasingly focused on improving emergency preparedness while integrating smarter technologies into fire protection strategies. The Fire and Rescue sector at Intersec 2026 will bring together global manufacturers, regulators, engineers, civil defence authorities and frontline responders. The exhibition will expand its footprint and showcase developments in fire detection, suppression systems, passive fire protection and integrated life safety technologies. Earlier in 2025, Dubai Civil Defence launched the ‘1 Billion Readiness Project’, a global initiative aimed at educating one billion people on fire prevention and supporting the establishment of fire stations worldwide. The National Fire Protection Association joined the initiative shortly after its launch, reinforcing international cooperation in fire safety education and standards. Eng. Dana Kamal, NFPA Regional Director for MENA and a member of the Fire and Rescue Conference advisory committee, said: “The NFPA Day 2 educational program will spotlight the leadership and collaboration needed to shape a safer future. It will demonstrate how innovation drives progress and how codes and standards serve as the foundation of safety for every sector that depends on them.” National innovation programmes are also reshaping emergency response capabilities. In Abu Dhabi, civil defence authorities are working with the Advanced Technology Research Council to integrate artificial intelligence into emergency operations and training. In Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, has reviewed autonomous firefighting robots using 3D mapping technology for deployment in hazardous, smoke-filled environments. These developments align with Dubai Civil Defence’s target to reduce carbon emissions from fire incidents by 80% by 2050. Running alongside the exhibition, the Fire and Rescue conference will address topics including AI-driven fire prediction, system integration, human behaviour in emergencies, climate-driven fire risk and evolving regulatory frameworks. A dedicated Passive Fire Day, delivered with the Association for Passive Fire Protection, will focus on competency, early design engagement and performance standards. Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “The importance of fire and rescue has never been more globally relevant or in greater need of strategic alignment. As this sector evolves, Intersec provides a unique opportunity to bring together manufacturers, civil defence teams, consultants, and regulators in one space.” Intersec 2026 is expected to welcome more than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries and more than 50,000 trade visitors, supported by the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency. For more information and to register for the event, please click HERE

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Lee Wise Named President of W.S. Darley & Co.

Darley & Co., has announced a decade-long succession plan with the appointment of Lee Wise as its new President. Lee Wise succeeds Paul C. Darley, who has served in the role for 30 years at the specialist provider of firefighting, emergency, and defence equipment. Lee will continue to report to Paul in his on-going roles as Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, guiding the company’s strategic vision and long-term growth. Lee currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer for Darley. His promotion to President marks a significant milestone in the company’s history, as the first non-family member to assume this role in 118 years. Recognised for his extensive industry experience at Rockwell-Collins and Brunswick and steadfast alignment with the company’s core values, Lee has earned the full support of the Darley Board, management team, and the entire family. “Our succession plan has been in progress for over a decade. Lee brings the perfect blend of corporate and defence experience, coupled with a passion for driving growth. His leadership style and ethical approach align perfectly with our professional family culture,” said Paul Darley. “He has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our mission and to the communities we serve. The Darley family, most notably our fourth generation, stands united behind Lee as he steps into this important role.” Audrey Darley Welch, Vice President of Defense Supply Chain added: “All fourth-generation family members working in the business are fully united in our support of Lee. His outside perspective and proven leadership will play a critical role as we continue to professionalise the organisation and pursue our next phase of growth. We look forward to learning from Lee and working together to advance the legacy our family has built over generations.” “I am honoured to step into the role of President at Darley, and deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by our Board of Directors, shareholders, and colleagues. Their confidence inspires me, and I am committed to honouring our values and driving meaningful progress together,” comments Lee. As President, Lee will oversee daily operations, drive innovation, and continue to strengthen relationships with customers, partners, and employees. His appointment ensures that Darley remains at the forefront of the industry, delivering excellence and reliability to those who depend on its products and services.  

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Marco Passadori-Sensitron-DefenceBuyer

Cover Story – Modern Design Meets Gas Control Detection 

Sensitron’s redesigned AURA gas detection control panel builds on decades of field experience, combining compliance, reliability, and user-focused design for modern applications. Fire Buyer talks to Marco Passadori, Managing Director of Sensitron, to hear more.  For more than thirty years, Sensitron has been operating in the field of gas detection with an international presence and a clear mission: the safety of people and environments must never be compromised. The company develops fixed gas detection systems, detectors, and control panels suitable for all applications, both in classified and non-classified areas.    Founded in 1988 in Milan and becoming part of the Halma plc group in 2021, Sensitron has built a reputation based on technical excellence and strict compliance with international standards. All products are CE tested and approved and, for certified models, comply with the requirements of the most authoritative industry regulations, including ATEX 2014/34/EU, IECEx, MED, and SIL. This ensures reliable performance even under the most demanding operating conditions.    Sensitron gas detection systems are used across a wide range of industrial sectors, such as chemical, pharmaceutical, oil & gas, water treatment, and energy storage, as well as hospital, commercial, and marine environments. Their solutions are installed in hospitals, buildings, hotels, car parks, and marine applications, providing effective detection of flammable, toxic, and refrigerant gases, as well as oxygen.    At the core of Sensitron’s vision lies a constant principle: safety is a cultural value before it is a technological one. Research, innovation, regulatory expertise, and training guide every design decision, enabling Sensitron to address the real needs of operators and to support the evolution of the industry with competence and responsibility.    An Evolution Is Born   AURA is the evolution of the historic PL4+, Sensitron’s best-selling control panel and a trusted benchmark for systems with up to eight detectors for more than 25 years. Known for its reliability, ease of use, and technological robustness, PL4+ set the standard. AURA builds on that legacy, re-engineered with a contemporary approach, while maintaining a strong and authentic connection to its origins.    AURA is grounded in more than 35 years of gas detection expertise, with thousands of systems installed worldwide, full compliance with international standards, and deep, hands-on field experience. This heritage gives rise to a product that looks forward with confidence, while remaining firmly connected to its past.    What’s in A Name  The name AURA suggests a constant, discreet presence. Protection that doesn’t need to be seen to be effective, because it operates continuously and quietly. Always there, even when unseen, AURA monitors, interprets and alerts without interruption.    To represent this design vision, the choice fell on an Italian word—simple, essential, and immediate. AURA conveys the idea of something that surrounds and protects, defining a space of safety through a widespread and intelligent presence. Just like a gas detection system: always active, always vigilant, even when it goes unnoticed.    AURA also represents a system concept: a network of interconnected detectors, sensors and devices operating within a defined area of protection. At its centre, the control panel acts as the command point, governing the interface between system intelligence and on-site detection. The result is an invisible protective field that surrounds people and places, continuously monitoring the environment and signalling risk conditions before they escalate.    AURA represents the way Sensitron interprets technology: an approach rooted in solid foundations, built on more than 35 years of expertise in gas detection, and transformed into contemporary value through a new language.    “We chose a short, Italian name for this redesign of our control panels, and we decided to start with the most popular model for standard installations with up to 8 detectors. Selecting a name that is distant from technical terminology aims to make it easier to remember in the short term and distinctive in the medium to long term. Our products are designed to last over time. We are presenting this project today, but it is intended to accompany us in the years to come. In a rapidly evolving world, we build solid foundations to look ahead,” says Marco Passadori, Managing Director of Sensitron.    People Focussed Design   In the gas detection industry, functionality has always been the primary reference. Reliable and robust instruments, often conceived as ‘invisible’ elements, lacking a distinct identity and designed solely to fulfil a technical function. The legacy PL4+ control panel reflects this approach.   With AURA, Sensitron has introduced a design shaped around the people who use it. An approach that puts everyday operation at the centre, starting from real-world use rather than aesthetics. From how the control panel is read and understood to how it is operated in the field, every design decision is driven by a clear functional need.    TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE:

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LICO-FireBuyer.com

Product Spotlight – Preventing fire through early thermal intelligence 

LICO’s custom made heat and overheat detection systems focus on early thermal intelligence to prevent fires before ignition occurs  Fire detection has traditionally focused on identifying smoke or flame once an incident is already underway. While effective as part of a wider fire strategy, this approach often means intervention begins only after conditions have escalated. In industrial, hazardous, and maritime environments, that delay can carry serious consequences. Increasingly, the focus is shifting toward earlier thermal monitoring that identifies abnormal heat or overheat conditions before ignition occurs.  LICO specialises in this preventative approach, providing custom made heat and overheat detector units designed specifically for high temperature, high risk applications. Rather than reacting to fire, LICO systems are engineered to prevent it, enabling operators to address abnormal conditions before they develop into smoke, flame, or explosion.  Shifting from fire response to fire prevention  This preventative philosophy is particularly relevant as normal operating temperatures continue to rise across modern industrial processes. In environments where elevated heat is expected, traditional electronic fire detectors can struggle with reliability, false alarms, or premature failure. Passive heat detection solutions, designed for stability and accuracy at high temperatures, are therefore becoming an increasingly important part of fire risk management strategies.  LICO’s HDL product range is built entirely around bespoke design. Every unit is custom made in close collaboration with the customer and, where applicable, the local system integrator. This ensures each solution is precisely matched to the operational environment, temperature profile, and system architecture in which it will be deployed.  The application scope is extensive. HDL detectors are used across industrial settings such as engine rooms, transformer stations, wind turbines, saunas, and commercial kitchens. They are also deployed in hazardous locations including paint shops, gas turbines, offshore platforms, oil refineries, and nuclear power facilities. Maritime applications form another key area, with installations spanning shipyards, ports, container vessels, yachts, and naval assets including aircraft carriers.  Certified reliability without electronic dependency  Certification underpins this breadth of use. LICO heat and overheat detection systems carry approvals including ATEX, EN 54-5, DNV MED, DNV Type Approval, CE, and ISO 9001, ensuring compliance across demanding regulatory environments and safety critical sectors.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE:

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Ci Global sockets-FireBuyer.com

From The Expert – Prevention First Safety For Electrical Fires 

Anthony D. Parfitt, UK Home Office approved safety systems innovator and founder of Ci Global, discusses prevention first fire and building safety, and why preventing electrical fires is now possible and essential.  For decades, the fire safety industry has been optimised around speed. Seconds to detect smoke and trigger alarms. Minutes to respond. Minutes to evacuate.  This speed has saved countless lives. But speed, on its own, is no longer enough. Because even the fastest response still begins after a fire has already started. And that can be too late.  It’s an uncomfortable truth, but if we want to reduce fire deaths, injuries, and catastrophic building and property losses, we must be prepared to challenge a long standing assumption at the heart of fire and building safety, that fire safety measures only begin after a fire starts.  Electrical Fires Are Not Inevitable   When it comes to electrical fires, we have designed systems that respond exceptionally well once danger is visible, but we have largely ignored the conditions that cause that danger in the first place.  That limitation becomes increasingly risky as cities grow taller, buildings become more interconnected, and electrical systems work harder than ever before.  Electrical fires, one of the most common causes of building fires worldwide, begin silently. Developing over time, as components degrade, connections loosen, or electrical systems are pushed beyond their intended limits.  For fire safety professionals, regulators, specifiers, and buyers, the key question is no longer how efficiently we respond to fire. It is, if most electrical fires could be prevented before they start, would we be willing to redesign our safety strategy around prevention rather than just reaction.  The Rise of Global Risk   Electrical fires are often associated with ageing buildings or poor maintenance, but this is a dangerous misconception. Electrical fire risk is systemic and driven by modern living.  A faulty charger can ignite just as easily in a luxury hotel, shopping mall, or high rise apartment as it can in an older building. Newer buildings are not immune. In many cases, they carry higher risk due to denser electrical loads and more complex systems.  Buildings today consume more electricity than at any point in history. In hot regions such as the Middle East, air conditioning systems run almost continuously. Data networks and Internet infrastructure operate 24/7 too. The global shift toward electric vehicles introduces high load EV charging into residential and commercial environments. Smart buildings, automation systems, appliances, and personal portable electronics all place sustained pressure on wiring, sockets, and electrical connections.  Pushing Systems To The Limit  In many environments, these systems operate close to their maximum safe capacity for extended periods.  High ambient temperatures only amplify the problem. In the Gulf, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 45°C. Heat accelerates material and electrical component fatigue, increases electrical resistance, and shortens the lifespan of electrical insulation, all typically invisible.  Compounding this risk is the widespread availability of substandard or counterfeit electrical devices within global supply chains. These products can look identical to legitimate devices, making the risk once again almost impossible to detect.  The fact is electrical fire risk does not discriminate by location or building type. Every building is exposed to the same fundamental reality. Electricity behaves the same way everywhere, and when it overheats, it can start a fire that can spread very quickly.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE:

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Advanced-Axis-FireBuyer.com

From The Expert – Raising Fire Safety Standards in the Middle East 

International Fire Buyer speaks with Advanced’s Middle East leadership on how integrated fire systems are reshaping fire safety across the region’s most complex developments  With giga projects reshaping Saudi Arabia, ultra-high rise construction redefining skylines in Dubai, and infrastructure expansion continuing across the GCC, fire safety systems are being asked to perform at a higher level than ever before. Ahead of Intersec Dubai 2026, International Fire Buyer spoke with three of Advanced’s regional leaders: Sasi Kumar, General Manager MEA, Sargunan Sellamuthu, Business Development Manager Middle East, and Shadi Elhag, Business Development Manager Middle East to understand what is driving change on the ground and how integrated fire systems are responding.  What is driving the surge in demand for more advanced fire safety systems across the Middle East?  Sasi Kumar: The scale and pace of construction across the region are unlike anything we have seen before. Projects are larger, taller, and more complex, with mixed use occupancies becoming the norm rather than the exception. Residential, hospitality, retail, and leisure spaces are often combined within a single structure, each presenting very different fire risks and evacuation challenges.  As a result, fire safety is no longer approached as a box ticking exercise. Developers, consultants, and authorities are looking beyond minimum code compliance towards systems that offer resilience, adaptability, and clear performance in real world conditions.  There is also a growing expectation that fire systems should operate as part of a wider life safety ecosystem. Clear and often multilingual evacuation messaging, intelligent smoke control, real time system visibility, and coordinated interaction with mechanical and building management systems are now seen as essential. The conversation has shifted from compliance to performance, particularly in how systems behave during complex or evolving incident scenarios.  What will Advanced be showcasing at Intersec Dubai 2026?  Sasi Kumar: Intersec remains the most important regional platform for fire and life safety, and our focus this year is on demonstrating how modern fire systems support large scale and mission critical environments.  We will be showcasing our UL listed Axis AX system alongside the EN approved Axis EN platform. Axis AX is designed for complex developments and supports large networked systems of up to 200 panels, with advanced cause and effect programming and robust networking. Capabilities such as PerfectSync ensure that audio and visual alerts remain synchronised across an entire site, which is particularly important in high rise buildings where voice evacuation is central to safe evacuation strategies.  Axis EN, meanwhile, offers hybrid wired and wireless capability, making it well suited to retrofit projects, heritage buildings, or occupied sites where cabling disruption must be minimised. Both systems support AlarmCalm technology to help reduce unwanted alarms, a growing concern in hospitality and healthcare environments.  We will also be demonstrating tools such as DynamixSmoke for smoke control configuration and ExGo for extinguishing control, alongside simpler solutions such as AxisGo and QuickZone for smaller projects.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE:

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The Big Interview – Fire Safety Through Innovation, Regulation and Global Collaboration 

Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec 2026 outlines its expansion plans, technical priorities and partnerships shaping global fire safety, emergency response and regulatory alignment in an evolving risk landscape  Please introduce yourself and give us a brief background into the history and heritage of Intersec?  As Show Director for Intersec, I oversee the strategic direction of the event as it enters its 27th edition. Since its launch in Dubai in 1999, Intersec has evolved in step with the region’s rapid infrastructure and safety development, growing from a product-led exhibition into one of the world’s most influential platforms for security, safety and fire protection.  Fire safety has been a core pillar throughout that journey. Intersec has consistently reflected the industry’s shift from isolated fire disciplines towards integrated, whole-life safety strategies that encompass prevention, detection, protection and response. The event’s long-standing partnership with the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence has been central to this evolution, ensuring that fire safety innovation is aligned with regulation, enforcement and operational readiness.  Held every January, Intersec has become the first major global meeting point of the year for the fire and safety industry. It provides a forum where manufacturers, engineers, regulators and first responders can align priorities, benchmark innovation and address emerging risks across the built environment and critical infrastructure.  What are your growth targets for Intersec 2026 versus the previous edition?  Intersec 2026 will be our largest and most internationally representative edition to date. We are targeting 50,000 visitors, supported by increased government engagement and a stronger international buyer presence.  More than 1,400 exhibitors from over 60 countries are expected, occupying 67,000 sqm across 13 halls, with dedicated space for live fire and rescue demonstrations. Fire protection continues to be one of the fastest-growing sectors on the show floor, driven by demand across construction, energy, industrial facilities and transport infrastructure.  International participation remains a defining strength. We anticipate that 40 percent of visitors will travel from outside the UAE, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global hub for fire safety knowledge exchange and procurement.  How are strategic partnerships shaping the 2026 programme and exhibitor mix?  Intersec’s partnership ecosystem plays a critical role in maintaining technical credibility across the fire sector. Our continued collaboration with the General Command of Dubai Civil Defence ensures that the programme reflects real operational priorities, regulatory expectations and long-term resilience planning.  Global associations including NFPA and the Association for Specialist Fire Protection are central to shaping the fire conference agenda, certification pathways and professional development content. Their involvement ensures that discussions move beyond product innovation to address compliance, competency and performance across the full lifecycle of fire safety systems.  These partnerships attract exhibitors operating at the forefront of fire detection, suppression, passive fire protection and emergency response, positioning Intersec as a platform where solutions are assessed against real-world risk and regulatory frameworks.  TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE SEE OUR LATEST ISSUE HERE:

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Intersec fire conference-Firebuyer.com

Intersec 2026 announces new features for the future of security, safety and fire protection

Organisers of Intersec 2026 have announced the launch of three significant new features which will be showcased when the event returns to the Dubai World Trade Centre from 12-14 January 2026. Reinforcing its position as the world’s leading platform for advancing security, safety and fire protection, the 27th edition of Intersec, which is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will see the introduction of four new initiatives including the Passive Fire Day, the Control Room Innovation Theatre, and co-located event, FCIA–NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai. Hosted in collaboration with the Association for Passive Fire Protection (ASFP), the Passive Fire Day, which takes place on 14 January, has been designed to elevate the passive fire sector from a traditionally overlooked trade into a recognised professional discipline within the built environment. Passive fire protection refers to the built-in fire safety measures that continuously work to contain fire and smoke, protect escape routes, and maintain structural integrity. These include fire-resistant walls and floors, fire doors, fire stopping and cavity barriers. Unlike active systems such as alarms or sprinklers, passive fire protection does not rely on activation or human intervention, making it a critical foundation of building life safety. Senior ASFP representatives and industry collaborators will lead presentations and panel discussions covering early engagement in design, regulatory alignment, best practice in fire door specification and installation, and the growing importance of competence across the passive fire supply chain. Another new feature related to passive fire is the FCIA– NFCA PFPCON ’26 Dubai, taking place from 12–14 January 2026. Co-located with Intersec 2026 and presented by the Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) and the National Fireproofing Contractors Association (NFCA), the event connects global experts, innovators and practitioners to advance standards, competency and collaboration across the passive fire sector. Commenting on the expansion of passive fire-focused content at Intersec 2026, Dishan Isaac, Show Director of Intersec at Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: “Passive fire protection underpins the safety of the built environment, yet it has historically been treated as a technical afterthought rather than a professional discipline. By integrating Passive Fire Day and PFPCON ’26 Dubai into Intersec, we are creating a platform that brings competency, standards and accountability into sharper focus, while encouraging earlier engagement and stronger collaboration across the entire construction and life-safety value chain.” Also launching at Intersec 2026 is the Control Room Innovation Theatre, delivered in partnership with the International Critical Control Rooms Alliance. This new thought-leadership platform places control rooms and operations centres firmly in the spotlight, recognising them as the nerve hubs of today’s rapidly evolving safety, security and operational environments. Across a full day of dedicated sessions, the theatre will examine how cognitive control rooms are emerging, with AI and advanced data analytics enabling faster, more informed decision-making in high-pressure situations. Discussions will also explore the shift towards integrated command centre operations, highlighting how breaking down organisational and sector silos can deliver more coordinated, agile and effective responses to complex incidents. A strong emphasis will be placed on the human dimension of control room performance, with sessions focused on operator wellbeing and the critical link between workforce empowerment, resilience and operational outcomes. In addition to the new features, Intersec 2026 will launch a series of exclusive, invitation-only Executive Roundtables that bring together senior leaders from government, industry, and technology for focused, high-level dialogue on the most pressing challenges facing the security, safety, and fire protection sectors. The sessions will develop key learnings that will be compiled into a series of post-event white papers that translate into actionable strategies, standards, and future-facing innovation. Roundtables include Redefining Crisis Management for Critical Infrastructure Protection, delivered by PwC Middle East; Governing the Blue: Intelligence-led Security for Gulf Maritime Boundaries, and Defending the Digital Backbone: Securing National Infrastructure in the Era of AI and Hybrid Threats, which will both be led by Kearney. “What unites these new features is a shared focus on people, performance and preparedness. Whether through professionalising passive fire, strengthening health and safety competence, or rethinking how control rooms support decision-making under pressure, Intersec 2026 is designed to help industries respond to growing complexity with clarity, capability and collaboration,” concluded Isaac. In addition to the new features, the forthcoming edition will launch the Innovation Trail, an interactive feature that spotlights exhibitors showcasing innovative products and solutions in the security, safety, and fire protection industry. Intersec 2026, which benefits from the strategic support of the General Command of Dubai Civil Defense (DCD) and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA), will host over 1,200 exhibitors from more than 60 countries across five core sectors: Homeland Security & Policing, Cybersecurity, Commercial & Perimeter Security, Fire & Rescue, and Health & Safety. With over 50,000 visitors expected across 65,000 gross square metres of exhibition space, it is set to be the largest edition in the event’s 27-year history. For more information and to register for the event, please visit here:

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